Amsterdam gets first 3D printed bridge in the world

The Dutch startup MX3D is planning of using advanced robots to print a bridge of steel ‘ live ‘. ‘ What we do is groundbreaking. “

Printing a complex metal bridge in the middle of Amsterdam’s inner city is seen by the gentlemen of MX3D as the ultimate test. ‘ We have given ourselves a year to master the technique completely, ‘ says Tim Geurtjens, technical director MX3D. ‘ We explore the limits of 3D printing. ‘

To produce the bridge, MX3D has designed a special robot. ‘ Our technology stands out from the traditional 3D-print technique. We have developed six industrial robots in which we can print metals, plastics and other combinations of materials in pretty much every form. ‘
Geurtjens: ‘ Although the 3D printing technology not yet has conquered the world, you can expect that it will happen. We want to show that the traditional designs goes hand in hand with 3D printers. This is ground-breaking. ‘

Live printing

According to Geurtjens the municipality has pledged to support the project and the location will soon be announced. Geurtjens:’ But we still have a long way to go. A final draft of the bridge we want to present only if we know the location. Ultimately, it’s a transition for both pedestrians and cyclists. ‘

The actual printing of the bridge will take about three months. ‘ We would like to print live. We are not allowed to get from the municipality a permit, then anyone can visit us in our workshop on the NDSM shipyard. ‘

The bridge builders have not yet thought about a name for the structure. ‘ Often you give a building or a bridge an official name and in no time there will be a whole different name made up by the locals. We are curious. ‘